Rosens in the Rose City

Posted on Sat Apr 4th, 2026 @ 11:36pm by Lieutenant JG Jacob Rosen

941 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Character Development
Location: Portland, Oregon
Timeline: Shore Leave

Jacob crunched up the gravel driveway to his parent's home. A two story building with wide windows near the crest of a hill that, on a clear day, could see straight to Mount Hood. A cool breeze whipped around pink petals falling lazily from the cherry blossoms lining the street. The soft notes of his father's porch wind chimes rustling in the breeze. As he stepped on to the porch, it's dark wood leading to the 9 paneled front door, Jacob took a moment to look around.

A blue bike, without training wheels this time, laid on its side. His niece no doubt. A cheesy sign propped up to the left of the door that said: MASTER CHIEF PARKING ONLY. Mom loves her knickknacks. Jacob thought to himself with a chuckle.

"ARE YOU GONNA JUST STAND OUT THERE OR DO I NEED TO DRAG YOU IN!?" Came the loud yell from inside. Mark Rosen, retired but still able to project his voice as if he still taught a classroom full of teenagers.

Jacob opened the door into the front room of the house and was greeted with the smell of his mother's brisket. His father, looking much older than he remembered, sat in his chair looking outside.

"My son, welcome home." Mark Rosen said warmly, blanket draped across his lap. "How was the semester?"

"The semester Dad?"

"Yes please, tell me about your studies." His father continued, genuine interest in regards to academics.

Jacob stood for a moment in confusion until his brother, niece, and mother entered.

"Your father's not having one of his good days honey." Jacob's mother, Amanda said, stroking Mark's hair. "It's been a long time since the Academy dear. Jacob's home on a brief pass." She explained with a patient smile.

"Yes, yes of course." Mark said with a smile as David helped him to his feet. "Thank you Davey. Sorry Jake, been getting confused lately."

"That's... that's alright Pop." Jacob said, faltering slightly before following through the archway into the dining room.

"You look thin Jake." His mother said when the family began to dig into the dinner. The dining table arrayed with all his home favorites; brisket, green beans, mashed potatoes. It was like a mini-holiday and Jacob smiled in appreciation.

"It's that replicator food Amanda. I've been telling you for years."

"It's the same nutritional value Mark."

"Yeah well, something is missing."

Jacob listened to the back and forth and ate his meal, slipping into the lull of that old comfortable feeling of being around those you love.

"I hear Lauren made Lieutenant Commander." Came from Jacob's brother David around a forkful of food.

Jacob's paused slightly, before taking another bite of his mother's brisket. Placing his fork down and wiping his mouth, Jacob calmly took a drink of water. "Good for her. I'm glad."

"You're still a JG?" David asked the question but making a statement.

"Yes Dave." Jacob returned flatly. "Things are back on track."

"Have you maybe put some though into..."

"David!" Amanda interjected.

"What? Ma i'm just saying perhaps it's time to look into graduate school? Make some plans for after Starfleet." His brother said, gesturing with his hands in a placating gesture. "He could come home, get some applications in, I can make a few calls. Maybe start teaching, the family business."

"The family business is Starfleet David."

"It may not work out like that Ma, if he doesn't make significant progress he'll be looking at a QRB eventually."

"It's not a race. He's come along way. The Quality Retention Board will see that."

"How many assignments has he had? How many ships?"

"David you're just like your father!"

"I'm gonna step outside. Get some air." Jacob said, rising to his feet and scooping up his dishes. Their debate over his career continued as he left the room.

Stepping outside into the cool evening air, Jacob leaned against a porch beam. The door behind him briefly opened and closed with a click.

"Uncle Jakey." Came a small voice from behind.

"Sarah! Did you finish your dinner?" Jacob said turning around and smiling at his niece.

"Zaidy said you were in a fight in space. You were brave."

"I'm not certain that was true. Don't try to get out of the question Sare."

"Bubbe said I could be excused." Sarah said with a pout. "She and Daddy are still arguing. I said I would watch Jeopardy with Zaidy but he's asleep in his chair." She climbed into the swinging bench. "I want to go to space."

"I'll take you someday."

"I want to go on my own. Like you and Bubbe."

Jacob crouched down and tousled her curly brown hair with a smile. "Well you'd better get good grades, eat your vegetables, help around the house.

"Yeah yeah bo-ring"

"It's important. The Academy interview goes way back. Did you know they talked to my Little League coach? Even though I was already in Starfleet."

"I knoooow. You sound like Daddy."

"Ouch." Jacob lowered his voice mockingly. "I am the all knowing David. Have you read my dissertation on 14th century throat singing? Let me summarize." He made exaggerated points and waved his other hand around wildly.

Sarah laughed in response, Jacob found himself laughing as well. Everyone in the house had their own opinion for what he should do for his career. Except Sarah, she was just happy to hear his stories about the places he'd been and the people he met. Hopefully she'd stay that way.

"Come on, let's sneak back inside. I bet Bubbe still has some pumpkin bread hidden in the fridge."

 

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